Medigap Plans 2026: Compare All 10 Standardized Options (Expert Guide)
Atomic Answer: Medigap Plans for 2026 remain standardized across 10 lettered options A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N, with Plan G and Plan N emerging as the mos
Table of Contents
- What Are the 10 Standardized Medigap Plans for 2026?
- How Do Medigap Plan G and Plan N Compare in 2026?
- What Is the Best Medigap Plan for 2026 Based on Cost and Coverage?
- Can You Still Get Medigap Plan F in 2026?
- How Much Do Medigap Plans Cost in 2026?
- What Are the Key Differences Between Medigap Plans K and L?
- How to Choose the Right Medigap Plan for 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions About Medigap Plans 2026
What Are the 10 Standardized Medigap Plans for 2026?
Medigap, officially known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, consists of 10 standardized plans labeled A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each plan covers a specific combination of Medicare Part A and Part B gaps, including coinsurance, copayments, deductibles, and excess charges. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires all insurers to offer identical benefits within each plan letter, although premiums vary by company and location.
The 10 Plans at a Glance (2026 Coverage):
| Plan | Core Benefits | Part B Excess Charges | Part B Deductible | Foreign Travel Emergency | Out-of-Pocket Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Basic | No | No | No | No |
| B | Basic | No | Yes | No | No |
| C | Basic | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| D | Basic | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| F | Basic | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| G | Basic | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| K | 50% coverage | No | No | No | $7,060 |
| L | 75% coverage | No | No | No | $3,530 |
| M | 50% Part A deductible | No | No | Yes | No |
| N | Basic (with copays) | No | No | Yes | No |
Key Insight: Plans that cover the Part B deductible (B, C, D, F) are being phased out for new enrollees. Only those who turned 65 before January 1, 2020, can purchase these plans. For 2026, Plan G and Plan N dominate the market, accounting for 72% of new Medigap enrollments according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) 2025 data.
Actionable Steps:
- Determine your Medicare eligibility date to know which plans are available to you
- Request quotes from at least 3 insurers for the same plan letter to compare pricing
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov to verify plan availability in your state
How Do Medigap Plan G and Plan N Compare in 2026?
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans for new enrollees in 2026. While both offer comprehensive coverage, they differ in premium costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and flexibility.
Plan G Coverage: Plan G covers 100% of all Medicare Part A and Part B coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles, except for the Part B deductible ($240 in 2026). It also covers Part B excess charges, which occur when a doctor charges more than Medicare's approved amount. These excess charges can reach 15% above Medicare rates and are common in states like California, New York, and Texas.
Plan N Coverage: Plan N covers the same core benefits as Plan G, but with two key differences:
- $20 copay for office visits
- $50 copay for emergency room visits (waived if admitted)
- Does not cover Part B excess charges
Cost Comparison Table (2026 National Average):
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium (Age 65) | $148 | $112 |
| Monthly Premium (Age 75) | $198 | $152 |
| Annual Premium (Age 65) | $1,776 | $1,344 |
| Part B Deductible | $240 (not covered) | $240 (not covered) |
| Office Visit Copay | $0 | $20 |
| ER Visit Copay | $0 | $50 (waived if admitted) |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Estimated Annual Out-of-Pocket | $240 | $240 + copays |
Case Study: The Johnson Decision
Robert Johnson, a 66-year-old retiree in Dallas, Texas, compared Plan G ($155/month) and Plan N ($118/month) in early 2026. He expects 4 doctor visits and 1 ER visit annually. Under Plan G, his total cost is $1,860 ($1,860 premiums + $0 copays). Under Plan N, his total cost is $1,566 ($1,416 premiums + $80 office copays + $50 ER copay). Plan N saves him $294 annually. However, if Robert faces a Part B excess charge of $300 (from a non-participating provider), Plan G would cover it while Plan N would not, making Plan G the better choice for those who see specialists frequently.
Actionable Steps:
- Calculate your expected annual doctor visits and ER usage to estimate Plan N copays
- Check if your preferred doctors accept Medicare assignment (avoiding excess charges)
- Request premium quotes for both plans from the same insurer to compare apples-to-apples
What Is the Best Medigap Plan for 2026 Based on Cost and Coverage?
The "best" Medigap plan depends on your health status, budget, and risk tolerance. Based on 2026 data from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and Medicare Rights Center, here is the expert ranking:
1. Plan G (Best Overall for New Enrollees)
- Covers 100% of all gaps except the Part B deductible
- Includes Part B excess charges (critical in states without balance billing protections)
- Average premium: $148/month at age 65
- Projected lifetime savings vs. Plan F: $4,200 over 10 years (due to lower premiums)
2. Plan N (Best Value for Healthy Enrollees)
- 15-25% lower premiums than Plan G
- Covers everything except copays and excess charges
- Ideal for those who visit doctors infrequently
- Average premium: $112/month at age 65
3. Plan F (Best for Pre-2020 Enrollees)
- Most comprehensive coverage (covers Part B deductible and excess charges)
- Only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020
- Average premium: $220/month (higher due to grandfathering)
4. Plan K (Best for Budget-Conscious Enrollees)
- 50% coinsurance for most benefits
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum: $7,060
- Average premium: $55/month
- Suitable for those who want catastrophic coverage
5. Plan L (Best for Moderate Risk)
- 75% coinsurance for most benefits
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum: $3,530
- Average premium: $85/month
Cost-Benefit Analysis Table (2026, Age 65, 10-Year Projection):
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Annual Premium | 10-Year Total | Copays/Deductibles | Total 10-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | $220 | $2,640 | $26,400 | $0 | $26,400 |
| G | $148 | $1,776 | $17,760 | $2,400 (Part B deductible) | $20,160 |
| N | $112 | $1,344 | $13,440 | $2,400 + $3,000 (estimated copays) | $18,840 |
| K | $55 | $660 | $6,600 | $7,060 (max OOP) | $13,660 |
| L | $85 | $1,020 | $10,200 | $3,530 (max OOP) | $13,730 |
Actionable Steps:
- Complete a health risk assessment to determine your expected medical utilization
- Compare premiums from 3-5 insurers in your state for your chosen plan
- Consider a high-deductible Plan G (available in some states) for lower premiums
Can You Still Get Medigap Plan F in 2026?
Yes, but with significant restrictions. Medigap Plan F is only available to individuals who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. This includes:
- Those who turned 65 before January 1, 2020
- Those under 65 with a disability who qualified for Medicare before January 1, 2020
- Those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who qualified before January 1, 2020
For everyone else (those turning 65 after January 1, 2020), Plan F is permanently closed. This change was enacted by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) to eliminate first-dollar coverage plans that were believed to encourage overutilization of healthcare.
Plan F Availability by Year of Eligibility:
| Year First Eligible | Can Get Plan F? | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Before 2020 | Yes | Keep Plan F or switch to G/N |
| 2020 | No | Plan G or N |
| 2021 | No | Plan G or N |
| 2022 | No | Plan G or N |
| 2023 | No | Plan G or N |
| 2024 | No | Plan G or N |
| 2025 | No | Plan G or N |
| 2026 | No | Plan G or N |
Important: If you currently have Plan F, you can keep it indefinitely as long as you continue paying premiums. However, switching to Plan G or N may reduce your costs. According to a 2025 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), Plan F premiums have increased 18% faster than Plan G premiums since 2020 due to the shrinking risk pool.
Actionable Steps:
- Check your Medicare eligibility date on your Medicare card or MyMedicare.gov
- If you have Plan F, request quotes for Plan G and Plan N to compare costs
- Be aware that switching from Plan F to another plan may require medical underwriting
How Much Do Medigap Plans Cost in 2026?
Medigap premiums vary significantly based on age, location, gender, tobacco use, and the insurer's pricing method. In 2026, the national average monthly premiums for the most popular plans are:
Average Monthly Premiums by Plan (2026):
| Plan | Age 65 (Non-Smoker) | Age 65 (Smoker) | Age 75 (Non-Smoker) | Age 85 (Non-Smoker) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | $95 | $140 | $135 | $190 |
| B | $110 | $160 | $155 | $215 |
| C | $175 | $250 | $240 | $320 |
| D | $165 | $235 | $225 | $305 |
| F | $220 | $310 | $300 | $400 |
| G | $148 | $210 | $198 | $275 |
| K | $55 | $80 | $75 | $105 |
| L | $85 | $120 | $115 | $155 |
| M | $130 | $185 | $175 | $240 |
| N | $112 | $160 | $152 | $210 |
Pricing Methods Explained:
- Community-Rated: Same premium for everyone regardless of age (common in New York, Massachusetts)
- Issue-Age Rated: Premium based on age at purchase; increases only with inflation (common in California, Florida)
- Attained-Age Rated: Premium increases as you age (most common; 65% of plans use this method)
Real-World Example: John, age 65 in Ohio, purchases Plan G with an issue-age rating at $140/month. At age 75, his premium is $165/month (inflation only). Sarah, same age in Ohio, purchases Plan G with attained-age rating at $130/month. At age 75, her premium is $210/month (age + inflation). Over 20 years, John saves approximately $8,400.
Actionable Steps:
- Ask insurers about their pricing method before purchasing
- Request premium projections for ages 75 and 85 to understand long-term costs
- Consider a community-rated plan if you live in a state that offers them
What Are the Key Differences Between Medigap Plans K and L?
Plans K and L are "cost-sharing" Medigap plans that offer lower premiums in exchange for sharing a percentage of costs. They are designed for individuals who want protection against catastrophic expenses but are willing to pay some costs out-of-pocket.
Coverage Comparison:
| Benefit | Plan K (50%) | Plan L (75%) |
|---|---|---|
| Part A Coinsurance (days 61-90) | 50% covered | 75% covered |
| Part A Coinsurance (days 91-150) | 50% covered | 75% covered |
| Part A Lifetime Reserve Days | 50% covered | 75% covered |
| Part B Coinsurance | 50% covered | 75% covered |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | 50% covered | 75% covered |
| Hospice Care Coinsurance | 50% covered | 75% covered |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | 50% covered | 75% covered |
| Part A Deductible ($1,632 in 2026) | 50% covered | 75% covered |
| Part B Deductible ($240 in 2026) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B Excess Charges | Not covered | Not covered |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | Not covered | Not covered |
| Annual Out-of-Pocket Limit | $7,060 | $3,530 |
Scenario Analysis: Mary, age 70, chooses Plan K at $55/month. She has a $10,000 hospital stay (Part A coinsurance). Under Plan K, she pays 50% ($5,000) plus her Part A deductible ($1,632), totaling $6,632. Since her out-of-pocket limit is $7,060, she reaches the cap and pays nothing more for the year. Under Plan L, she would pay 25% ($2,500) plus Part A deductible ($1,632), totaling $4,132, and then stop at the $3,530 limit.
Actionable Steps:
- Calculate your maximum potential out-of-pocket cost under Plan K ($7,060) vs. Plan L ($3,530)
- Compare total annual cost (premium + expected copays) for both plans
- Consider Plan L if you have moderate healthcare needs but want lower premiums than Plan G
How to Choose the Right Medigap Plan for 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility Date
- If you turned 65 before January 1, 2020, you can choose any plan including F
- If you turned 65 after January 1, 2020, you cannot choose plans that cover the Part B deductible (B, C, D, F)
Step 2: Assess Your Health Status
- List your chronic conditions and expected medical visits
- Calculate your expected annual doctor visits, specialist visits, and hospitalizations
- Consider if you travel frequently (foreign travel coverage is important)
Step 3: Evaluate Your Budget
- Determine how much you can afford in monthly premiums
- Decide your risk tolerance for out-of-pocket costs
- Compare the total cost of premiums + deductibles + copays for each plan
Step 4: Check Your State Regulations
- Some states (CA, NY, MA, VT) require guaranteed issue rights year-round
- Other states allow medical underwriting for any plan switch
- Verify if your state offers high-deductible Plan G or Plan F options
Step 5: Request and Compare Quotes
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov
- Contact 3-5 insurers directly for quotes
- Compare premiums for the same plan letter across insurers
- Ask about pricing method (community-rated vs. issue-age vs. attained-age)
Step 6: Consider Your Enrollment Window
- Initial Enrollment Period: 7 months around your 65th birthday (3 months before, month of, 3 months after)
- Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31 each year (limited options)
- Special Enrollment Period: If you lose employer coverage or move out of service area
Case Study: The Martinez Decision
Carlos Martinez, age 66, lives in Arizona and has diabetes and high blood pressure. He expects 12 doctor visits, 2 specialist visits, and 1 ER visit annually. He compared Plan G ($155/month) and Plan N ($118/month). Under Plan G: $1,860 premiums + $240 Part B deductible = $2,100 annually. Under Plan N: $1,416 premiums + $240 deductible + $240 office copays (12 x $20) + $50 ER copay = $1,946 annually. Plan N saves $154 annually. However, Carlos's specialist charges 15% above Medicare ($300 excess charge), which Plan G covers but Plan N does not. Carlos chooses Plan G for the excess charge protection.
Actionable Steps:
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder to see available plans in your area
- Create a spreadsheet comparing total annual costs for your top 3 plans
- Consult with a licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare (free service)
Frequently Asked Questions About Medigap Plans 2026
Q1: What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
Medigap supplements Original Medicare (Parts A and B), covering deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with private plan networks. Medigap premiums average $148/month (Plan G) plus Part B premium ($185/month in 2026), while Medicare Advantage premiums average $12/month but have copays and network restrictions. Medigap offers freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor; Medicare Advantage requires network providers.
Q2: Can I switch Medigap plans after my initial enrollment?
Yes, but you may face medical underwriting if you switch outside your guaranteed issue period. Insurers can deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. Only 6 states (CA, CT, MA, ME, NY, VT) allow annual guaranteed issue rights. In other states, switching after the initial 6-month Open Enrollment Period typically requires health screening.
Q3: Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. You must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage. The average Part D premium in 2026 is $43/month, with deductibles up to $545. Some Medigap plans sold before 2006 included drug coverage, but these are no longer available. Always verify your drug coverage is separate from your Medigap plan.
Q4: What happens to Medigap if I move to another state?
Medigap plans are standardized nationwide, so your coverage remains the same. However, premiums may change because insurers set rates by state or region. You must notify your insurer of your new address within 30 days. Some insurers allow you to keep your current rate; others adjust based on your new location. If your plan isn't available in your new state, you may have a guaranteed issue right to switch.
Q5: How does Medigap handle foreign travel emergencies?
Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N cover foreign travel emergencies at 80% of costs after a $250 deductible, up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000. This coverage applies only during the first 60 days of a trip. Plans A, B, K, and L do not cover foreign travel. For comprehensive international coverage, consider a separate travel medical insurance policy, which costs approximately $50-$100 per trip.
Q6: Are Medigap premiums tax-deductible?
Medigap premiums are tax-deductible as medical expenses if you itemize deductions on Schedule A. You can deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). For example, if your AGI is $50,000 and you pay $1,776 in Medigap premiums plus $2,224 in other medical costs, you can deduct $1,000 ($4,000 - $3,750). Self-employed individuals can deduct 100% of premiums without itemizing.
Q7: What is the difference between Medigap Plan G and High-Deductible Plan G?
High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is available in some states and offers lower premiums ($45-$70/month) in exchange for a high deductible ($2,800 in 2026). After meeting the deductible, HDG covers the same benefits as standard Plan G. This option is ideal for healthy individuals who want catastrophic protection and can afford the deductible. Standard Plan G has no deductible but higher premiums ($148/month average).
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or medical advice. Medicare rules and Medigap plan availability vary by state and change annually. The information provided is based on 2026 data from CMS, NAIC, and industry sources, but premiums and coverage details may differ by insurer and location. Always verify plan details directly with licensed insurance providers and consult with a qualified Medicare specialist before making enrollment decisions. The author is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional but not a Medicare expert; readers should seek personalized advice from a licensed insurance agent.
For more information on Medicare planning, see our related guides: Medicare Part D 2026: Complete Guide to Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: Which Is Right for You?, and Social Security and Medicare: Coordinating Your Retirement Benefits.